R. Kelly Drama By: Michelle Cisneros
Robert Kelly famously known as R.Kelly is an American singer, record producer, songwriter, and former professional basketball player. Many remember him for his famous song
“I Believe I Can Fly” and ”Ignition”, but in recent days it seems his horrible past is finally being told with Lifetime’s 6 part documentary series, Surviving R.Kelly. For those who don’t know the horrible acts committed by R.Kelly, a simple Google search of his name and a scroll down to his
Notable Moments accusations of child pornography, and illegal child marriage can be seen but in the same area, you can see his career skyrocket with Grammy awards. This leads many to ask how a criminal could have so much success. Reasons for that is because of his fame he was able to get out of punishment for many years just like many celebrities including Bill Cosby, Louis
C.K., and Harvey Weinstein.
Surviving R.Kelly series aired January 5, 2019, and has been seen by more than 2 million people. In this documentary, survivors of sexual, physical, and verbal abuse tell their experiences with R.Kelly. The women of this documentary are similar to those of the #metoo movement, a movement that began in 2017 in which people finally open up about sexual assault they have experienced. This movement is trying to help survivors know they aren’t alone. Multiple celebrities talk out over the appalling acts of R.Kelly. In the first episode John Legend and
Wendy Williams comment their thoughts, and people like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, and
Chance the Rapper also talk out against him. Chance the Rapper tweets an apology for his previous collaboration. Lady Gaga who also collaborated tweeted, “I stand behind these women 1000%, believe them, know they are suffering and in pain, and feel strongly that their voices should be heard and taken seriously. What I am hearing about the allegations against R Kelly is absolutely horrifying and indefensible. As a victim of sexual assault myself, I made both the song and the video at a dark time in my life. … I’m sorry, both for my poor judgment when I was young, and for not speaking out sooner. I love you.”
Although R.Kelly is finally being called out, he still has a strong group who supports him. Supporters have recently met outside his Chicago music studio chanting “R.Kelly We Love
You.” His music is still being bought by many. Brooke Forney a student at Perry High School says, “after watching clips of the documentary I hope justice for the victims and that people will be more willing to tell their stories”. Who knows when he will finally be brought to justice we can only hope that it will be soon.